Thursday, September 11, 2008

The Thinking Woman's Spy

And I must admit ::hanging head:: that sometimes my inspiration comes from television.

I don't watch much TV but lately, I've been hooked on a UK television series about some dangerous men and women. Spooks is the colloquial term for British MI5 operatives, the spies who deal with threats to national security on a domestic level. This series about a small handful of top operatives, run by spymaster Harry Pierce, makes for compelling drama.

Hugh Laurie (House, Blackadder) makes an appearance as the snobby, insufferable head of MI6. I could watch Laurie in anything. He's such a versatile actor. Although if you happen to have only seen him in House and then watch Jeeves and Wooster, you might be in for a shock!

Soon to arrive on Spooks is Richard Armitage--that alone is enough reason to watch, quite apart from brilliant writing, masterly acting and edge of the seat action. I cannot WAIT for the next series!

Be prepared for casualties on the way--many of them central characters. Sad as I am to let beloved characters go, it definitely adds authenticity and an edge to the danger and suspense to know that no one is safe.

And while they're good at what they do, these Spooks are human, too. They struggle to maintain normal relationships outside the service and they question the morality of their choices and their methods every day. What's equally interesting is that they're not James Bond-style superhuman types. They can fight, but they tend to use intelligence, resourcefulness and a few dirty tricks rather than muscle to achieve their ends. Sometimes they don't win. And sometimes they win, but at immense personal cost. Can you see why a fiction writer would lap this stuff up?

And did I mention Richard Armitage will be starring in the next series?

In The Dangerous Duke, my hero Lyle works for the Regency era Home Office in a capacity very similar to these Spooks, until he unexpectedly inherits a title and the responsibilities that go with it. He's ruthless and competent, and his mantra has always been that the end justifies the means.

Then he meets Lady Kate, who is powerful in a different way. She has been the confidant and advisor to many important men in government. When she decides to wield her power to protect someone she loves, she becomes a formidable opponent for Lyle. But it's the danger each senses in the other that they find so compelling, and it's not long before they're playing the most dangerous game of all...

118 comments:

OK, seriously, I didn't know about this series--now that's the kind of thrill I could get into, Christine! :) In general, I'm rather cautious and not much of a danger/thrill-seeker... I like to imagine myself as this adventurous, risk-taking, bold person, but that's not reality ;) It's very fun to watch or read, but not for my real life, thank you!

My favorite dangerous thrill is along the lines of how late we can leave the house in the morning and still make it before the tardy bell rings or how long I can go between loads of laundry ;) I think I need to pick up some more exciting reading material!

I'd better keep a close eye on the GR--he's been rather quiet since the nap this afternoon... No telling what kind of danger he's been cooking up...

Christine, this series sounds wonderful! I'll have to check it out *g*

I enjoy danger in books, movies and TV shows but prefer my real life to be more safe and settled.

Actually, just yesterday I had a dangerous adventure when my son drove us to his doctor's appointment. Yes, it was very thrilling having my life flash before me several times w/in the space of 30 minutes :-)

Oh my Matthew and Richard.... and that other blonde hunk (no not hugh laurie).... well why haven't I heard about this before. I'm going to have to watch the series now.. So with Ashes to Ashes, Robin Hood, now Spooks, BBC is looking up.. oh and of course Top Gear can't go past that series (no spunks though damn).

I think kevlar is needed for ALL of us! The GR MUST be cooking up something really BAD if he's been quietly incognito.

Christine, GREAT piccies! I don't watch much TV but I could make an exception for this one, I think. Are the earlier seasons on DVD? That's my fave way to watch, all at once, no commercials but pottie breaks whenever needed.

Do we get this series in the US? Surely it must appear somewhere on the...er...400 channels on TV available *g*.

Can't say I live for danger. I sympathize with Beth. Teaching my kids to drive was truely one of the most dangerous things I've ever done. However, I do admit to enjoying that rush of adrenalin one gets when you survive a dangerous situation. Of course, survival is kind of the key...

Danger in real life... not so much. Danger in movies and books? Yes please! I love all the Bond films and things like that - regency spies, et al. The drama, intrigue, neat gadgets and smarts... what's not to love?

Snorked at your answer! I'm like you--I dice with death each day on the kindy run but real danger--that's not my bag. I'm terrified of things that exist only in my imagination so I'd be a wreck if I had to live as these Spooks do. I get anxious enough watching the series.

AC, the series is on DVD. I hope you do watch, you'd love it! But I must warn you that the CIA aren't portrayed in a very flattering light in this show. It is a British series, remember. But their own government gets it with both barrels, so at least they're not discriminating:)

I love spy movies and books. Spies have such an exciting life and are privy to classified info. The danger that spies encounter only make them more attractive. I was a big fan of MI-5 when it premiered on the A&E channel a few years ago. I didn't watch it as much when most of the original cast left. I was very excited when I heard about Richard Armitage joining the show. I'm hoping they'll show the new season of M1-5 on BBC America. I saw Cambridge Spies, too. Toby Stephens starred in it.

Snork, Donna! Yah, I'd say survival is kind of the key, too!But I get the feeling a lot of adrenalin junkies thing the thrill is worth dying for...until they don't die, but end up in a wheelchair or something. OK, call me Eeyore, but there are some things the human body is NOT meant to do.

And I don't know if it's on in the US--does anyone know?--but you could certainly order the DVDs if you're interested.

Hi Limecello--isn't Bond fantastic? So over the top but a wonderful creation. I must say that the movies were getting a little too formulaic for me until recently, though. I think there's a grittier, more interesting feel to the Daniel Craig Bond. I hope he stays in the role for a while.

You know, Foanna, RA's pic is just in this blog to lure you out of the deadline cave! Seriously, as I think you know, Armitage plays a very tortured Russian (is there any other kind??), who could be a good guy or could be a double agent, who knows? Lots of angst!Great stuff! Is there such a thing as spy noir??

No, I didn't know, but the gorgeous RA does angst better than anyone else I can think of, so a brooding Russian will be right up his alley! I don't watch Spooks but clearly I'm going to have to start doing so!

I like dangerous men in books and movies, but not in real life. I know that probably sounds strange, but I think it's better to keep the dangerous man in the realm of fantasy because he doesn't translate well to real life.

I've been meaning to look this series up - heard so many good reviews of it. Now, You've tempted me Christine!

I love watching TV series and movies with that danger spice in them. Ditto reading books - Lisa Gardner, Mariah Stewart, Alison Brennan and Tess Gerritsen to name a few of my faves.

One of the reasons I enjoy RS though is that I know there has to be a happy ending. So, I can enjoy the tension knowing it will be resolved satisfactorily.

Watching the first series of 24 was amazing. And terrifying - the tension was unbelievable! My pulse rate would triple in the last five minutes as the clock counted down. (Another series I keep meaning to catch up on).

The danger in my life isn't from extreme sports or adventures, but from challenging myself. Whether it's forcing my naturally shy personality to be more extrovert, sending my work to someone to be critiqued (especially if it's a writer I admire) or accepting the pushing/bullying of my wonderful pals to try something different (You know who you are!).

Great post Christine I love reading books from the regency era that are about spies I have read some really good ones and always enjoy them I love the tension that builds as the spies are solving cases and of course the hero always saves the heroine and the day and often with a lot of help from the heroine love them.

In my life I don't live for danger I like the quiet life although I am sure my grandson is into danger he just loves to get into mischief and scare the living daylights out of me at times.

Spooks sounds like a great show I have fox so I will see if I can catch some episodes and look for the DVDs I am sure my husband would love the show as well and watching all of these wonderful good looking actors in it would be a bonus.

If anyone hasn't read The Dangerous Duke yet go get it, it is one fantastic book as I said I love a book with a spy in it well done Christine

Christine you're 'pimping' one of my favorite series. I love this show. The first season was especially exciting. I had no idea that they had Richard lined up for the next season, so you've definitely made my day.

I love a safe and happy environment in my real life. So I absolutely love danger and excitement in my books and TV shows. Give me mystery, suspense and romance and I'm there.

Anna, I think you'd like Spooks, though I can't promise happy endings and the romantic relationships tend to take a back seat to the mission. I still find it riveting, though.

Love romantic suspense, too. I really need a fix of it at the moment but not enough time! And yes, I agree that danger is in the eye of the beholder. THose bullying writing friends of yours--can we guess who they are?

Oh, thanks, Helen! You're such a wonderful boost to the spirits. I almost feel up to facing writing the next book with you cheering me on:)

I love spies, too. Can't help it and I swore I'd never write a spy historical but I had a heroine who was threatening the government and who better than to try to stop her but one of His Majesty's finest? Anyway, the spy thing sort of evolved organically so I hope it worked. Hope your dh likes the show--mine does, even though the good-looking men outnumber the women.

Can totally identify with the dangerous child thing. Especially boys! Why do boys have such a death wish?

Do you like danger? In movies, books, real life? What's your favourite dangerous thrill?Oh no, I agree with flchen1, danger to me is just making the tardy bell. I do love to read about it though, when I start to hyperventilate I just put the book down until I'm stronger...LOL.

Congrats on the GR flchen, keep your eye on him, he is up to something I can just feel it.

Oh, Marisa!! So glad to hear you love this show too. And while I admit many of the male actors are extremely nice to look at, they are excellent actors, too.

Here's a link about Richard Armitage joining the show. Sorry Foanna, he's not Russian, he's just been in a Russian prison for 8 years!!http://www.bbc.co.uk/pressoffice/pressreleases/stories/2008/03_march/17/spooks.shtml

Christine, thanks so much for the link. Yikes - I can't wait for the new season to air on this side of the pond. I'm so lucky that one of my 1659 channels is BBC America. I'd watch Richard in anything. Like the other members of the cast, Richard is one fine actor.

Marisa - you never told me about this show. I wonder if I can rent it at Netflix?

Christine - I'm a wimp, watching danger on tv or in a movie, or even reading it in a book gets my heart racing... I usually watch a dangerous film/tv show with my hands over my eyes so I'm just listening and don't get the visual images. With a book it's different -- you can't get away from the visuals because each word creates a picture. I usually have to put the book down for a few minutes and catch my breath. Told you - wimp!

I loved MI5 with Matthew MacFadyen, I bought the dvd set, so didn't continue once he left. It wasn't shwon here.

I love some danger in movies and book, not much in real life though My fav dangerous thrill is to ride the amusement rides which height is the thign, roller coasters don't bother me, but other high rides do, so I'm not to dangerous, lol.

A blog about spies AND fedora has the GR!! Coincidence? I don't think so! Careful girl!

I have heard of this series, especially as I love anything with Matthew Mac in it! I know I haven't seen it and I don't know where I can watch it Stateside as I do NOT have cable out here in the sticks!

I wonder if it is on US compatible DVDs? I mean are British DVDs formatted differently? TECHNO IDIOT HERE! If I can get it on DVDs that will play in my player I am ALL OVER IT!! I do love a good spy story!!

I am a bit staid these days, but I was a bit of a thrill seeker when I was younger. Mountain climbing in the Alps. Hang gliding off the coast of Spain. Helping to move cobras, bushmasters and other poisonous snakes from one enclosure to another so the enclosure could be cleaned. Hint : An idiot who dumps a container over that contains a rather large cobra in a small room CAN make a short, chubby opera singer leap four feet onto a counter!

As a veterinary technician there was always the danger I could be bitten and / or clawed. I have the scars to prove it. Had a cockatoo nearly take my finger off. Had a very ticked-off chihuahua chew my arm from wrist to shoulder before we could get the little blighter off me!

I owned large reptiles for years and while I never saw it as particularly dangerous, many people did. I did have a six foot monitor latch onto my hand and refuse to let go until I gave him a few drops of whiskey. Went right to sleep. My 13 foot 100 lb burmese python wrapped around me one time and only the timely arrival of two of my students an hour later prevented me from spending a very uncomfortable night! She wasn't trying to hurt me. I was just warm and she fell asleep.

When I was a child I rode race horses for an English racing stable. I didn't see that as dangerous, but I guess it could have been. I have taken a number of spills over hedges, walls and fences while riding horses, but that was years ago when my body was far more flexible and resilient!

All of that was years ago when I was far younger and dumber!! Recently, the only "dangerous" thing I have done is to help bust and testify against dog fighters. And frankly, I didn't see it as dangerous. I saw it as my duty.

Working at Wal-Mart, the only danger I encounter is brain damage from having to deal with some of these customers and eye damage from seeing some of the things they wear out in public!! EEEEEEK!

Christine--I LOVE the sound of the dangerous duke! I love spy novels & summer popcorn flicks, too! All those gadgets & car chases & explosions. So much fun on the screen. So destructive in real life. :-)

Which leads to the following admission: I like my danger in a purely on screen/on page sort of way. If I thought my husband were actually called upon to do violence during the course of a normal workday, I don't I'd look at him with quite the same warm fondness over the dinner table.

I love danger in books and movies. Not so much real life. The most dangerous or crazy thing that I have done is a fifty foot free fall at an amusement park. The whole time they were taking my mother and I up I keep thinking, "Oh, my god, am I crazy I can't do this. I'm going to die, there's huge rocks down there. Oh, no were going over the street I'm going to fall on someones car." But once the rip cord was pulled it turned out to be a blast.

165 mph down the front straight with the brake markers for turn 1 coming up fast. So fast. And turn 1 is sharp. A hard second gear right hand turn. If you plan on surviving that turn with you and your bike in one piece, you'd better find a way to bleed off about a 110mph and pitch it into the turn in a space of about 100 feet. At the apex of the corner, open the throttle as far as you can without losing it, rear wheel spinning... sliding... threatening to buck you off the bike. Wide open into the next corner.

Racing is by far the coolest dangerous thrill I've ever done.

There have been other dangerous thrills. But, there's a difference between the thrill generated by a mortal threat versus the thrill of speed and the track. A whole lot less fun.

The thing about danger is that it doesn't seem all that particularly dangerous in the moment when you're doing whatever it is that's "dangerous". You usually don't choose to be there--so you "just do it" and get through it, then pass out later. (grin)

I really do think this danger thing is a mental state. I think thrill junkies love pushing the edge of what they can do (P226--you out there? You and your motorcycle racing?)but even they---I have to wonder if they really believe they're probably going to die when they go into it? This is very interesting--this "thrill junkie" thing.

Some people would think a lot of what I have done/do is dangerous, as like Louisa--I've done a lot of different things. But seriously, I don't consider it so because I live with a man who is former Special Forces.

I think anything I do/could do is rather tame compared to that.

It's interesting what one person perceives as dangerous---ask it of another person and he/she won't bat an eye.

You people who are mothers--okay, you guys have done the equivalent of passing a watermelon through your nostril.

And some of you say you like your danger in books and movies but not in real life?????

Uhm...I think you all are braver than I am. WAY braver. And you walked right into that willingly. EEEEK. THAT I would be afraid of.

Christine, I don't know most of those shows since our BBC productions are limited here in the states. But I have come to appreciate Richard Armitage (about whom so many Banditas drool quite unseemingly BTW) from the Robin Hood series.

I like the relationship between Marion and Sir Giles (?) where Marion loves Robin but is attracted to Armitage and his slavish devotion to her. He plays that role so well, I think.

In general, I'm a spy-fan. I, too, like the agent who uses his wits instead of his brawn (although he must definitely be capable of thrashing someone).

Cassondra said:I have to wonder if they really believe they're probably going to die when they go into it?

You're aware of it. It haunts you at all times. It's a specter of shadowy fear hanging in the wings, stalking you.

But you push it away. Intentionally. You know what you're doing is deadly. But you intentionally ignore the threat. Even when a rider dies on the track at the very event you're racing. It's there. It's stalking you. But you push it aside, because the speed and thrill are worth it.

There have been other dangerous thrills. But, there's a difference between the thrill generated by a mortal threat versus the thrill of speed and the track. A whole lot less fun.

See???

He doesn't think he's going to die on that track. He really doesn't. I don't think any of us do.

I don't think I'm going to die hiking in the woods at night looking for a body, but I might. I could walk off a cliff, walk into a booby trapped pot field and get my head blown off, walk into a copperhead nest (though my dog would likely get that one first unfortunately)....but I always go out there thinking I'm going to be fine. I wonder if the spies--who are always expecting death--REALLY expect it to be NOW?

I'm not sure they could do their jobs if they didn't think they could come home.????

But you push it away. Intentionally. You know what you're doing is deadly. But you intentionally ignore the threat. Even when a rider dies on the track at the very event you're racing. It's there. It's stalking you. But you push it aside, because the speed and thrill are worth it.

Same with high angle and pit rescue, or swift water rescue. Except I think with those it's as much the "teamwork fix" as it is the thrill fix. Hanging your butt off a 200-foot cliff is partly for the person who needs help, but it's partly for the person who is doing it as well.

It's like fear is the enemy. If I haven't done something scary for a long while, I start wondering if I couldstill do it....or if the fear would win. That bothers me.

Ms. Anna C, thanks for your note ofconcern. It seems I was right to be concerned about our situation. Ike will be headed for Houston after his landfall in Matagorda County. He is currently a Category 2 hurricane, but is expected to become a strong Cat 3 with 120 mile per hour winds. We arepreparing to "hunker down" (to use an old-time Texas phrase) hereat home. Some of the children and grandchildren will be joining us.It's curious that Ike will be coming in during the week of the anniversary of the devastating1900 Galveston hurricane!

I was never a thrill seeker and the most risque idea was to plan a getaway within 24 hours. I love reading about adventure, suspense and mystery since they provide all the fun and thrills I require in my life.

Books and movies can be filled with danger, suspense and thrills of all types because I prefer to give it a miss in my real life. Life has enough surprises that I have had to deal with so I like smooth sailing ahead.

Cassondra said:You people who are mothers--okay, you guys have done the equivalent of passing a watermelon through your nostril.

And some of you say you like your danger in books and movies but not in real life?????

For women in labor they cannot consider what they are doing is dangerous, at least not out loud. Dealing with the pain and the unknown is scary enough. If they knew what I know....(and let me tell you watching my girls go through it was wayyyyyy hard enough!)

Danger in my life, not a good idea. I always wondered how certain people were attracted to this type of behavior. I am careful and have always been. Now reading material which I enjoy can be filled with danger and thills galore.

I am not much on danger in real life. I get enough of that when I have to ride with my son when he is driving. I do love danger in books, TV, and Movies. That is any kind of danger, just love it. Real life I want to stay pretty calm.

I like to experience new things but I don't deliberately seek out danger. I travel and do things that I think are interesting and extremely fascinating. Movies which contain danger always keep me on the edge which I love.

Hey, I thought of one kinda dangerous thing I did. At least, it was dangerous for ME. Last year I went on an Alaskan cruise, and hubby and I took several floatplane sightseeing trips. I don't like heights so that was a big deal for me...so worth it, though.

I used to watch MI5 when the used to carry it on my cable provider but alas no more.

I do enjoy danger in the books I am reading but in real life the only danger I participate in is riding roller coasters. I love those things, it gives me such a rush. One day I hope to go white water rafting and maybe do a bungee jump.

I love to read about it or watch it. I've done a few things in my day but always with a companion - never by myself lol. In my old age I stick to exciting roller coaster rides. Your book sounds wonderful!!

Christine Wells said... Snork!! You might have to have medication handy to watch Spooks, Dianna, but you just need to remind yourself, it's not real. It's only a made-up story.*G*I get so wrapped up in stories I forget they are made up. You should see me watching what little TV I do watch. Nails down to the quick, hair standing on end from running my fingers through it. I'm a mess I tell ya!

Maria Lokken said... With a book it's different -- you can't get away from the visuals because each word creates a picture. I usually have to put the book down for a few minutes and catch my breath. Told you - wimp!Maria! A woman after my own heart, want a paper bag?

You're welcome, Marisa! I'm on tenterhooks for the new series, especially after the cliffhanger in the last one! Actually, Marisa, you're absolutely right--hot as RA is, it's really his acting that makes me such a fan. He was superb in North & South.

Maria, I know what you mean. I can't watch horror flicks, especially after having had babies. For some reason my tolerance level lowered a lot when I had a baby. There's rarely anything graphic in Spooks, though. I hope you give it a shot!

Hi Dina, I'd really recommend continuing with the other series. Rupert Penry-Jones is just brilliant (and tres sexy) as Adam Carter. Really ruthless and focused. His one weak spot is his wife and son. His wife takes the same risks he does and it drives him crazy, even though he's bursting with pride in her. The two of them together are dynamite.

Wow, Louisa, what a fascinating life you've led. All fodder for your fiction, no doubt!

And I so admire you for busting and testifying against dog fighters. From what I know of those people, they're often involved in more illegal stuff than dog fighting and they can be very dangerous. So good on you and keep fighting the good fight!

Hi Smoov! So you're an armchair thrill-seeker too? I hope you like The Dangerous Duke! I think it would be terribly difficult to deal with having a spy for a husband. It's not knowing exactly what he did that would bother me the most. This book is about my hero's journey back to civilian life, so by the end he has to convince Kate he has put his former mindset behind him. He's not entirely civilized by the end but Kate quite likes his rough edges:)

I did enjoy it for those few episode when MM left, so I know I'd enjoy it. I'll check out my library. maybe they have them. I'll have to look again when MM left and then see which season I need to catch up on, lol. He was the reason I started to watch and I know alot of other cahracters end up leaving sometime through it.

Rebekah, the fear adds to the thrill, doesn't it? Last time I went to an amusement park I was with my brother-in-law, who's an anaesthetist and he was looking at the Tower of Terror, shaking his head about the damage you can do to your spine, etc. Total downer! Note to self: Never go to Dreamworld with a doctor!!

P226 wrote: there's a difference between the thrill generated by a mortal threat versus the thrill of speed and the track. A whole lot less fun.

Ahem. Yes, well, I'll take your word on that! I think I can see why it's such a thrill. What does your wife say about it?

Wow, reading your and Cassondra's conversation is like getting an inside view of all this stuff. But I'm interested about the mortal danger type of thrill. Can that get addictive? In the Dangerous Duke, my hero really doesn't like what he does, but he sees it as necessary. I'm thinking of a very different type of hero for my next book, one who is addicted to danger. I'm interested to know--is it the rush of the aftermath, thinking 'I survived' or is it the tension while you're in the midst of it? Both? Neither?

And Cassondra, I had Caesars but I was pretty darn scared of that needle in my spine, I can tell you!

I LUV MI5. I've got the first season on DVD and I watch it often. It gives me my British fix. I love any kind of suspense, or intrigue in my stories. I do admit to being Mathew fan. I liked him best, but BBC does an awesome job of characters. Now, if only I could get BBC America on my regular cable!

Hi Jo! I think you'd really like a lot of British shows. You seem the kind of person who appreciates that sharp, dry English humour.

Who doesn't like spies? Hmm, I think spies were a little overdone in the historical genre for a while, but since there was no organized police service at the time, I suppose we go with spies or lay investigators if we want a bit of mystery/suspense. Donna has that wonderful James Bond-type spy in The Trouble With Moonlight and Jo Bourne is writing spies in her brilliant Spymaster series that's out now. I think there's been a more fresh approach to the whole thing in recent times.

Hi Suz! That's great you have this series over there. Wouldn't like to tell you all about something you can't get. Although if you really want to see it, you can buy it on DVD from Amazon, I think Anna said.

Yep, I think most of us (crazy thrill-seekers excepted) are like you in wanting danger to stay safely in fiction.

I have to laugh because when it comes to movies I love action movies. I love seeing characters do dangerous things. I am such a chicken in real life that I think I just live through these characters vicariously. For example, I don't think I will ever jump out of a plane with a parachute but it is fun to watch others do it.

Congrats on the chook again, Fedora! And that tardy bell thing? SNORK! We run that risk around our house every school day too.

What a fun post, Christine! I cannot wait to get my hands on the book, BTW.

I love this kind of series, wish it were available in the US - I'l have to look it up on DVD.

I like some danger in real life - I do Karate and Tae Kwon DO, like guns, etc - although I don't throw hatchets like Kim just learned to do! Heehee. But I'm not all that keen on the REAL dangerous stuff like motorcycles (sorry, P226!), BMX racing and all that. I do want to learn to snowboard, but I'm guessing that's not all THAT dangerous. Ha!

Great comments everyone...and I'm SO going to look up these scrummy men of danger. :>

Cassondra is SO right about those women who give birth. That is the ultimate dangerous endeavor to me!! EEEEEEK is right!

And it is true that while I was nervous and excited about some of those "dangerous" stunts during the actual execution there is this incredible high that makes you feel invincible. With luck it lasts until the thrill ride is over!

Hi Pat, Stay safe, won't you? Ike is a danger that isn't in any way thrilling.

Eye candy... OK, I admit these men are nice to look at...but they're so much more. Just fantastic actors and the characters are so flawed and fascinating. I would like to congratulate whoever casts this series on finding such wonderful talent in such attractive packages.

Minna, what an intriguing title! I haven't heard of Little Mosque on the Prairie but you have me interested. And I enjoyed Life on Mars, too, but I think I was pregnant and very sleepy when it was on late at night, so I kept falling asleep before the end. We have it on DVD so I should watch. It's finding the time these days!

Helen, I'm working on it:) The next one, WICKED LITTLE GAME, is out in June 09 so that's not such a long wait as last time. The first chapter is in the back of The Dangerous Duke, only it's called Indecent Proposal. We had a recent title change and it's confusing me!

Dina, Matthew M was great, wasn't he? Probably more compassionate than his successor, Adam Carter, but I must admit I love a man who's prepared to be utterly ruthless when he's trying to save the world*g*. It seems more authentic to me.

Nancy, yes, that's right. It sounds like MI-5 and Spooks is the same name. Maybe because Spooks is a bit of a sensitive word? Or maybe MI-5 is just more easily recognizable. Anyway, I'm not surprised you liked it. Do watch the rest of the series and tell me what you think!

Goodness, managed to wrest one set of van keys back, and brought the GR along to an hour of piano lessons. He seemed rather disgruntled that the afternoon entertainment was limited to a Blue's Clues video and a handful of pretzel sticks. Watch out, everyone! He's likely to look for more exciting digs tomorrow!

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